Virtual Target Generator Channels for Multi-Target Radar Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Virtual Target Generators (VTGs) are limited in their ability to represent virtual targets in diverse and realistic ways, lacking scalability and capability to provide supplementary information.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a plurality of virtual target generators with multiple transmit channels and a single receive channel, capable of generating multiple virtual targets with delayed and attenuated signals, and optionally incorporating Doppler effects, to mimic radar transmissions and additional target information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single transmit channel is used in a VTG, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to present multiple virtual targets and supplementary information is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the transmit functionality into multiple independent transmit channels (first transmit channel for virtual target echo, second transmit channel for supplementary information). This segmentation allows each channel to handle specific tasks independently, enabling the presentation of multiple virtual targets and supplementary information simultaneously while maintaining manageable complexity through functional separation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transmit channels are added to a VTG, then the versatility of virtual target representation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional VTG system where the first transmit channel presents virtual target echoes and the second transmit channel provides supplementary information such as transponder responses or additional target data. This multi-functionality approach allows a single VTG device to perform multiple roles (echo generation, information supplementation, target differentiation) thereby improving realism and richness without requiring separate devices for each function.
3Productivity
If a VTG presents multiple virtual targets, then the simulation capability is enhanced, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring the system's capabilities increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the VTG monitors radar transmissions and provides appropriate responses through multiple transmit channels. The system can detect radar signals, process them, and generate corresponding virtual target echoes and supplementary information in a closed-loop manner. This feedback approach enables automatic verification of virtual target capabilities as the system responds to radar illumination in predictable, measurable ways that confirm the presence and characteristics of generated virtual targets.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances the realism and richness of radar displays by generating multiple virtual targets with supplementary information, providing scalable and realistic simulations.
Implementation Method 1
The VTG processes the received signal and then retransmits it to the RADAR at a certain time later. Note that the signal transmitted from the VTG is not a simple reflection; it is typically processed to delay it and reduce its amplitude
Implementation Method 2
capable of generating multiple virtual targets with delayed and attenuated signals, and optionally incorporating Doppler effects, to mimic radar transmissions and additional target information
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a system comprising a plurality of virtual target generators (130) for use with a RADAR system, wherein each of the plurality of virtual target generators (130) comprises: at least one receive channel and at least two transmit channels, whereby the at least one receive channel is arranged to receive a transmitted signal from the RADAR system, process the signal and to re transmit it via a first of the at least two transmit channels to present a virtual target to the RADAR system.